Guidelines for Maintaining a Service Animal At Beckwith Residence Hall

• Beckwith Hall Service Animal Policy (Printable Word Document)
• Introduction
• Animal Behavior
• Animal Health and Well-Being
• Animal Cleanliness
• Beckwith Student Responsibilities

Introduction:

The following guidelines apply to all approved animals and their handlers who live at Beckwith Residence Hall unless the nature of the documented disability of the handler precludes adherence to these guidelines. The term “handler” used within this document refers to the owner of the animal as well as any other person who is in control of the animal, e.g., family member, personal assistant, etc.

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Animal Behavior:

1. A service animal may reside at Beckwith Residence Hall with its handler provided that its behavior, noise, odor and waste do not exceed reasonable standards for a well-behaved animal and that these factors do not create unreasonable disruptions for residents (registered students and resident family members), Beckwith staff, and other university personnel.
2. Dangerous, poisonous, and/or illegal animals are not permitted.
3. The service animal must be under supervision of handler at all times within Beckwith Residence Hall, except when transported or controlled by a leash or harness.

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Animal Health and Well-Being

1. All service animals must have all veterinarian recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases. Documentation of vaccinations is due before the beginning of the housing contract. The Beckwith Administrative staff reserves the right to request an updated verification at anytime during the animal’s residency.
2. A current state and local license is required for service animals. They must be obtained and kept current in compliance with the local jurisdiction.
3. All service animals, if taken outside the residence, must wear identification tags with campus address and, if applicable, vaccination information.

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Animal Cleanliness

1. Handlers are responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal fecal waste.
   1. Indoor service animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of in an outside trash dumpster. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that feces and urine are not tracked onto carpeted surfaces.
   2. Outdoor service animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by handler, placed in a plastic bag and securely tied before being disposed of in an outside trash dumpster.
2. Handlers are responsible for feeding and watering their animal within the confines of their personal room. Bowls of food and water should be placed on mats so that water and food do not get on the floor. If they do, the handlers are responsible for cleaning the floor of their room immediately.
3. Service animal food should be kept in a closed container within the confines of the handler’s room. Open bags of food are not permissible, as they attract bugs.
4. If the service animal becomes sick and vomits and/or becomes incontinent it is the responsibility of the handler to make sure it is cleaned up immediately. This is not the responsibility of Beckwith housekeeping.
5. Service animals should be kept clean and free from odor; however, handlers may not use their suite showers to clean their animals. The College of Veterinary Medicine or local groomers may be an option.

University Community:

1. Must allow service animals to accompany their handlers at all times and everywhere on campus, except for places where there is a health, environmental, or safety hazard.
2. Contact DRES if any questions or concerns arise relating to service animals.
3. Report any service animals who misbehave, or any handlers who mistreat their service animals (listed below are the policy and procedures for reporting negative behaviors).

DRES (office responsible for providing services to students with disabilities):

1. Develop the necessary policies and procedures for the University regarding service animals.
2. Collect the Verification Information for service animals from students when they register w/ DRES.
3. Assist the University community when questions or concerns arise relating to service animals on campus. Seek legal advice when necessary.

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Beckwith Student Responsibilities

1. The owner must provide DRES with a completed “Service Animal Registration Form” and the Veterinarian’s Verification that the animal has all Veterinary recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious disease.
2. The handler is responsible for assuring that the service animal does not interfere with the routine activities of the residence or cause difficulties for students who reside there. Sensitivity to residents/staff with allergies or to those who fear animals is an important consideration for the handler in order to ensure a community environment that supports the individual needs of all who reside and work at Beckwith.
3. The owner is financially responsible for the actions of the service animal including bodily injury or property damage including but not limited to any replacement of furniture, carpet, drapes, or wall covering, etc. The owner is expected to cover these costs upon repair and/or move-out.
4. The owner is responsible for any expenses that are required due to costs incurred for cleaning which is above and beyond a normal cleaning or for repairs to Beckwith premises after vacating the residence.
5. If fleas, ticks or other pests are detected within the residence it will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a university-approved pest control service. The owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond normal required pest management.
6. All suitemates of the owner must sign an agreement allowing the service animal to be in residence with them. In the event that a suitemate does not approve, either the owner and pet or the non-approving suitemate may be moved to a more suitable location.
7. Handler agrees to continue to abide by all other Beckwith Hall residential policies. Having a service animal does not preclude the handler from following all other guidelines found in the Beckwith Residence Hall Handbook.
8. Any violation of the above rules will be reviewed by the Disability Accommodation Committee at the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). The student will be afforded all rights of due process within this review.
9. Should the pet be removed from the premises for any reason, the owner is expected to fulfill his/her housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.

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